The Lion King
Love Does Not Dishonor

MESSAGE:
5 Love does not dishonor 1st Corinthians 13:5
Everyone loves the scene in The Lion King where the animals of the land journey toward Pride Rock to see Rafiki hold up the cub, Simba. They bow their heads as a symbol of respect, ushering in Simba’s potential as the new king. He is still a kitten, but one day, he will rule over the Pride Lands with wisdom and fairness. I am not sure why antelope and bison are eager to honor their new king, as they will most likely be the next meal for the royal family.

Honor is respecting and appreciating a person’s role in your life. The person could be a king, a mom, or a barista. When we show honor, we say, “God put you in my life for a reason.”

When you dishonor someone, you are rebelling against the role God has given. You are telling God that he made a mistake with his choice. In reality, you are showing disrespect.

Things get incredibly complicated when the person you must show honor to is doing a terrible job earning that honor. Do unfit leaders, cruel parents, and rude waiters deserve honor? Why should you give them an ounce of respect if they are being a nuisance?

This is part of God’s upside-down kingdom. We do not honor people based on their performance; we honor them because God is wise, righteous, and in control. The same God who allows a king or a janitor to take a position is the same God who will judge all humans. Honoring is a choice to be righteous and loving even when the world cannot.  
Research: 1st Samuel 24:3-7, 12

David is being pursued by Saul, the king of Israel. Though David has done nothing evil against Saul, the king wants him dead. David gets a perfect chance to dunk on the man ruining his life. What does he do instead?

In verse 12, what assures David to stay honorable to King Saul?

How do you find the line between honoring the people with roles in your life and criticizing their behavior?